FUNNY MONDAY: PHOTO BOMBED BY A CAMEL

We were attempting to take a colorful, overly-dramatic shot of sari-clad women surrounded by tents, camels and dust at the Pushkar Camel Fair in India. Instead, we got photo bombed by a camel with one of the cheesiest grins this side of the Ganges. 

No doubt, he'll be posting this to his Facebook page and Twitter feed as soon as he sees it. Well played, camel, well played.

PHOTO FRIDAY: THE CAMEL CONDUCTOR

The camels above aren't actually performing an incredibly complicated and well-orchestrated dance move, though it may look like they are. Their owner, the would-be conductor, is simply trying to ensure his hobbled animals stay nearby as potential buyers stroll past to peruse his stock.

The shot was taken at the Pushkar Camel Fair, the world's largest showfloor for buyers, traders, sellers of camels. It's an amazing event and one you'll be reading about a few more times on this site for the next week or so.

TOP 6 FAVORITE VOLUNTEER STOPS

As part of our goal to volunteer at least one day each week, we've had the opportunity to see, learn, and do some amazing things. From cleaning up the bottom of a bay in Palau on Earth Day to delivering books to kids in rural Laos, it's been a fun and rewarding part of our trip so far.

As the new year begins, we thought we'd take a look back at our Top 6 favorite volunteer stops. 

Remember, whether you're at home or far from it, there's always something you can do to help others...even if it's just one day each week.

Delivering Books to Kids in Laos

Earth Day in Palau

Liz's Little Helpers in Borneo

Everest Trek Clean Up

Counting Whale Sharks in the Philippines

English By Candlelight in Burma

VARANASI: PHOTO BONUS: PART DEUX

If you couldn't tell, we really liked Varanasi. Here are a few more of our favorites.

Because where else can you have a monkey with a gun, a tranced out
sadhu, and a bunch of kids all in the same photo?

A view of the main ghat from a nearby hotel balcony.

Yes. Another sadhu. These guys are awesome.

Our hilarious boatman who conned us into riding with him for two days.

Although the below video doesn't even begin to show the goings-on in an Indian street at 8 AM on a Tuesday, it might give a brief idea.  This auto rickshaw driver was incredibly proud of his new sound system, and cranked it up to get us excited for the journey to the train station.

For more poorly filmed and extremely low quality, boring Varanasi videos (are you excited yet?), check out the YouTube links here, here, and here.

VARANASI: A PHOTO BONUS

Considering it's one of the oldest cities on the planet, Varanasi is pretty photogenic. Here are a few shots from our two visits...

We know, another sadhu photo. 

This kind-faced boatman offered us a ride.

It's not all pretty. Cows, dogs, and a man in a blue t-shirt dig through a pile of garbage in the street.

Just one of the many amazing murals that cover the concrete walls along the Ganges.

A pilgrim sits on the side of his boat. No doubt he is "healthy breathing."

The fire and music show that takes place on the Main Ghat each evening at dusk.

An artist captures the "washing of the buffalo" on canvas.